actuate

1 to cause to function a light actuated by a motion detector the alarm system actuates the door locks Synonyms activate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn onRelated Words kick over, turn over; charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push; discharge, launch, release, switch, trip; reactivate, recharge; arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize; ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up; accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step upNear Antonyms arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop; decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppressAntonyms cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

2 to set or keep in motion hearing depends on sound vibrations that actuate the complex mechanism of that sensory organ, the ear Synonyms move, drive, impel, propel, workRelated Words activate, motivate, provoke; abet, ferment, foment, incite, raise, stir (up), whip (up); set off, trigger, trip; arouse, excite, fire (up), galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, instigate, rouse, stimulateNear Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain